I'm gone from Lagman, the base that I have always thought of my home away from home. It was a sad departure...saying good-bye to all of my friends. Plus others came from surrounding bases to say good-bye...simply unheard of. I have met some incredible people here. But leaving, I have done many times... 16 bases in a year and that's not counting the many times I went to KAF for "counseling" or my repeat visits to some of the Fob's. I was a FOB hopper. Designated that by a supervisor's wish that I was too old to travel and it would force me to quit. Instead I loved it. Seeing Afghanistan in ways that others could only imagine.
I've actually experienced the war as sort of a soldier minus a weapon...It's all in the adventure and I thank the Lord that I survived it. Survival 101...Someone should teach that to the contractors. It's a disservice to sent them out to a war zone unaware of the many, many things to watch out for. Example: Prior to one of the ground attacks and at night fall, I witnessed the Taliban signaling to each other mountain to mountain. How was I to know it was a signal. I simply thought it was diamonds flickering in the sun set. Example 2: Be nice to people. I have seen many of our medics act rudely to the locals or fear them. Let me tell you a secret. It's harder to kill that someone that is nice to you and super easy to blow away the a_ _ holes. Plus, if you're a women, you really don't mean much to them except for sex and that's where my trustee blade came in handy.
I had bought a very nice knife. I was determined never to be unarmed and afraid again. I knew that I may never get close to use it, or that I may be shot while whittling away at my opponent, but it still gave me peace of mind. On my arrival at the big base, I was disarmed. The Brits were very nice as a tear slid down my face and said," Mame you will be very safe here." I said, yeah, yeah...that's what they all say. So I have a nice souvenir that I may recover on my way home.
Speaking of home...I have decided that I have seen way too much of Afghanistan. I love the country and the people. I have even grown to love the prayers and even have my favorites. I very much appreciate the hospitality that I've been shown by the lunches and teas that I've been invited to and attended. I love the outfit that was hand made for my grandson and I will never forget the Afghan people that I've adored and that called me sir with respect. I even loved my job, minus the management and secretarial work. But the war... I have been threatened, detained and nearly kidnapped by the ANA, been face to face with the Taliban and even spotted them (because I know everybody- wink!), suffered countless missile attacks, and 3 ground attacks- horrible events that are now a distant dream. One: that I was pulled away from for stress debriefing...a poor joke thought up by management - not funny for those who suffered through it. I can take all of the horrors of war and the unbelievably unlivable conditions, the extreme weather and choking on the dust 24/7, drinking 10 bottles of water a day and peeing all night in filthy porta potty's, bug bites, mice, rats, snakes, goats that are rigged with bombs sewn in their anus that blow up before my eyes, feeling my way in the dark and trusting my instinct when it's time to drop. Friends that are kidnapped tortured and killed, all the soldiers lost and the prayers we send to their families, no workable equipment, no office supplies, making do with cardboard for warmth because that's all I could find...It's been an incredible year!
I can do all that and more. I can not handle one more idiot, degrading, harassing decision by this company's higher ups. Or accusations of insubordination when nothing substantial comes to mind. No longer will I be recalled to KAF for "counseling" or "debriefing " to boost some idiots ego. It's beyond me why people are placed in positions without basic business knowledge or training for the position. Plus they were poor practitioners in their chosen careers, with the worse people skills imaginable. Heads up...there is kissing ass and there is genuine nice- they do not know the difference so neither works. Or to under utilize or ignore prime candidates when it would have benefited them to maximize their talents. Instead they move on and there's nothing but a poor shell left over. I consider it a supreme accomplishment that I could stay nice, function at 100%, be productive and even grow under such adverse conditions and under such a hostile workplace. But, I did it and I'm coming home!!!!
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
What an idiot!
Some days are lemons and some days are lemonade. Idiots are usually involved...
Today, my new partners are sneaking around each others back, manipulating and trying to use me to do their dirty work. I'm not a stupid girl. I am from the Big "D", but I'm also the friendly girl from Michigan. I knew full well what was going on, but in the interest of peace, I tried to use their manipulations to build peace. I gave each a chance to have their say about the other, then tried to work everything out to the best of my ability and as a compromise to all. Well... The female used tears in public to build her case. What an idiot! Now we all know that I can be a baby at times, but this was not one of them. I really wanted to say "man up". If you want Joe Blow to do this or that, you go talk to him and stop complaining to me! Oh, as a matter of fact, I did say that, (imagine that!), she needed to talk to the people involved and leave me out of it. I have no problem saying what's on my mind.
Joe, in the meantime snuck over to the bid guy with lies and deceit that will be laughed about for days to come. Then, he turned around and gave me a peon ass chewing and the "I'm the boss" rhetoric for what for the problems that the other idiot caused. It cracked me up that he thought it was my doing. Ha! Ha! Ha! I got the blame...for what??? oh well... It's all lemonade. Funny thing is, the big bosses don't upset me. Why would an idiot like him cause me fear? Plus, he tried to set down the law after working hours. What an idiot.
Lies, Lies, Lies...you cause your own lemons. And it's even worse when you are caught over and over again. Some people talk to you. Others talk "at" you or rather down to you. And the same "other" won't stop talking and demeaning people. Caught on camera at lunch... I had to put a stop to it. It's not nice when one puts others down in a superior fashion to belittle the other. Even worse when you're an idiot. I simply punched holes his made up fact/theory- so there. Has he never heard that contracting is a very small world. Everyone will remember what an idiot you were. This is a big problem when you are a superior of sorts. Worse when you're an idiot... and was placed in that position and without contract experience or even experience in his chosen field. Sure, make the customer upset. Go ahead and cause problems at every turn. The whole community is rip roarin' upset and hopping mad. I will sit back and watch the show, very careful to stay out of the drama now and in the future.
Plus we have a little issue of where we will all bed down for the night. Why on earth does he want to sleep with me? I'm a little apprehensive about this whole scene. I am an old lady bub! I can't say "No" loud enough. All big contract bosses were involved in his move out, yet here he sits refusing to move. Why insist on sleeping in my area. Can we all say WTH? What an idiot! I'm suppose to call somebody if he's not gone by lights out, but where does this all end? Plus, it looks bad and I can't have that. These were my Fobbets and there's never been trouble before. Everyone doesn't get along every time, but do we really need to air our dirty laundry? Some people have no class or they're idiots.
I can say that at least everybody still likes me...except the head Cruella, but that another story...let's forget it. All I can say that I am an idiot for even trying to help and keep things quiet. I thought he was an OK guy and OK girl...what did I encourage- what was I thinking? You deserve a break today? Good grief... yuk! Contract world is not always fun and games.
On the plus side...6 more weeks until end of contract!
Today, my new partners are sneaking around each others back, manipulating and trying to use me to do their dirty work. I'm not a stupid girl. I am from the Big "D", but I'm also the friendly girl from Michigan. I knew full well what was going on, but in the interest of peace, I tried to use their manipulations to build peace. I gave each a chance to have their say about the other, then tried to work everything out to the best of my ability and as a compromise to all. Well... The female used tears in public to build her case. What an idiot! Now we all know that I can be a baby at times, but this was not one of them. I really wanted to say "man up". If you want Joe Blow to do this or that, you go talk to him and stop complaining to me! Oh, as a matter of fact, I did say that, (imagine that!), she needed to talk to the people involved and leave me out of it. I have no problem saying what's on my mind.
Joe, in the meantime snuck over to the bid guy with lies and deceit that will be laughed about for days to come. Then, he turned around and gave me a peon ass chewing and the "I'm the boss" rhetoric for what for the problems that the other idiot caused. It cracked me up that he thought it was my doing. Ha! Ha! Ha! I got the blame...for what??? oh well... It's all lemonade. Funny thing is, the big bosses don't upset me. Why would an idiot like him cause me fear? Plus, he tried to set down the law after working hours. What an idiot.
Lies, Lies, Lies...you cause your own lemons. And it's even worse when you are caught over and over again. Some people talk to you. Others talk "at" you or rather down to you. And the same "other" won't stop talking and demeaning people. Caught on camera at lunch... I had to put a stop to it. It's not nice when one puts others down in a superior fashion to belittle the other. Even worse when you're an idiot. I simply punched holes his made up fact/theory- so there. Has he never heard that contracting is a very small world. Everyone will remember what an idiot you were. This is a big problem when you are a superior of sorts. Worse when you're an idiot... and was placed in that position and without contract experience or even experience in his chosen field. Sure, make the customer upset. Go ahead and cause problems at every turn. The whole community is rip roarin' upset and hopping mad. I will sit back and watch the show, very careful to stay out of the drama now and in the future.
Plus we have a little issue of where we will all bed down for the night. Why on earth does he want to sleep with me? I'm a little apprehensive about this whole scene. I am an old lady bub! I can't say "No" loud enough. All big contract bosses were involved in his move out, yet here he sits refusing to move. Why insist on sleeping in my area. Can we all say WTH? What an idiot! I'm suppose to call somebody if he's not gone by lights out, but where does this all end? Plus, it looks bad and I can't have that. These were my Fobbets and there's never been trouble before. Everyone doesn't get along every time, but do we really need to air our dirty laundry? Some people have no class or they're idiots.
I can say that at least everybody still likes me...except the head Cruella, but that another story...let's forget it. All I can say that I am an idiot for even trying to help and keep things quiet. I thought he was an OK guy and OK girl...what did I encourage- what was I thinking? You deserve a break today? Good grief... yuk! Contract world is not always fun and games.
On the plus side...6 more weeks until end of contract!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Whiners and Rants
When you're a contractor working in a foreign country, it is impossible to come home without the tug to stay. I hate to say it, but there you fight for your life daily...we live in a war zone after all. There is so many distractions at home. Things that need your immediate care and concern as it was before you left. Once back in the sandbox, it's easier to deal with things. Throw some money at the problem and go back to the day in, day out hum drum that is work, eat, sleep and sometimes run and hide.
I'm on R&R. If I hear one more person question why we're in Afghanistan i may scream. I am a patriot, so here's my rant: I'm in a country that was left in ruins by a war 20 years ago. All the rich and educated left leaving a generation of poor and illiterate to fend for themselves. Enter the saviors called by me "the Talitubbies." They have a thing about how life should be...no schools, men rule, capital punishment and the country stays poor and enslaved all in the name of religion. America suffers a blow- 911. We all remember New York. The US does not do terrorists well, so search and destroy time and into Afghanistan.
The Taliban does not have a country. They could be anywhere and if you want to join them, there is no country to go to find them. It's like fighting a destructive ghost. But few want to join and many are pressed into service. Our withdrawal from Afghanistan effectively gives them a country from which to conquer and to fight us from. When we fought World War II, you could follow every moment on a map. I did it in school and you did too. We knew the enemy. There was a winner and a loser. There will never be that with terrorist. How can you settle a disagreement when one party will not talk. When they believe their actions are justified because a few made the rules.
So one idiot made a decision and we're leaving- OK, enough complaining about the US presence in Afghanistan. Canada bolted last year...imagine that! So many countries there, but it's all about the U.S. And it will be when we're gone too. Only this time we gave them an address. Remember that the next time a plane flies into a skyscraper.
I know this was a very simple explanation. We are the Red, White and Blue, but we like things in black and white. How about this...Do something different today...Thank a soldier for his/her service. The war is not popular, but the men still are!
I'm on R&R. If I hear one more person question why we're in Afghanistan i may scream. I am a patriot, so here's my rant: I'm in a country that was left in ruins by a war 20 years ago. All the rich and educated left leaving a generation of poor and illiterate to fend for themselves. Enter the saviors called by me "the Talitubbies." They have a thing about how life should be...no schools, men rule, capital punishment and the country stays poor and enslaved all in the name of religion. America suffers a blow- 911. We all remember New York. The US does not do terrorists well, so search and destroy time and into Afghanistan.
The Taliban does not have a country. They could be anywhere and if you want to join them, there is no country to go to find them. It's like fighting a destructive ghost. But few want to join and many are pressed into service. Our withdrawal from Afghanistan effectively gives them a country from which to conquer and to fight us from. When we fought World War II, you could follow every moment on a map. I did it in school and you did too. We knew the enemy. There was a winner and a loser. There will never be that with terrorist. How can you settle a disagreement when one party will not talk. When they believe their actions are justified because a few made the rules.
So one idiot made a decision and we're leaving- OK, enough complaining about the US presence in Afghanistan. Canada bolted last year...imagine that! So many countries there, but it's all about the U.S. And it will be when we're gone too. Only this time we gave them an address. Remember that the next time a plane flies into a skyscraper.
I know this was a very simple explanation. We are the Red, White and Blue, but we like things in black and white. How about this...Do something different today...Thank a soldier for his/her service. The war is not popular, but the men still are!
Friday, August 10, 2012
Thank you!
Tonight it appears I'm in a writing mood and I just peeked at my stats, because I can from the USA. Thank you to Singapore for being my #1 readers. That was quite a surprise to me. I also need to give a shout out to Russia and the good people of Alaska, (who I spent a lot of good times with!). I'm so glad you made it back to your loved ones. Thank you for keeping in touch! I'm not sure who I know in Brazil, New Zealand, South Korea or any of the other countries but thank you for your support. Lastly, thank you to all in the rest of the US who have followed me...you're the best!
The best part of being in the sandbox is making new friends. I have had invitations from pals from all parts of the world to visit them in their homes and countries. I now need to travel and turn in those cards. And I've extended the same courtesy. Now where to go? I have choices from India, Kenya, Bosnia, Thailand, England, Italy, Alaska- OK, it's the USA, but you have to skip over Canada to get there, so that counts.
I like to take layover trips on my way home and see the world. I feel that since I'm away for so long, I should see "the fam" when I can, so I do. This trip I wanted to get home immediately to see my new guy be born and I since he was due to enter the world, I couldn't get home fast enough. I didn't do the pre-trip research and my choices were sadly limited by the Olympics.
Speaking of...has this been the most amazing games! I can't believe how much of the Olympic coverage that I have sucked up. Now I love my country and I rout for them...think Women's Volleyball (Misty & Kerrie's 3 peat!), Ashton Eaton & Trey Hardee in the Decathlon, US Soccer, Michael Phelps, the Fab Five- oops, can't use that nickname anymore...shouldn't there be a limit on the number of years a team can use a nickname? News flash...nobody cares anymore who used it way back when. But, you gotta love Bolt and the sweep by Jamaica in the event! He's a character and a gentleman and I was thrilled when he won gold! And to Bolt.. Thank you goes right back to you for running such a great race. Also, it was very considerate of you to pause in your interview for our National Anthem- Thank you. So exciting...
Passion, perseverance, faith, adventure, love, friends, family...all the things that make live exciting and worth living. I am so blessed to have it all over the world. Thank you God!
The best part of being in the sandbox is making new friends. I have had invitations from pals from all parts of the world to visit them in their homes and countries. I now need to travel and turn in those cards. And I've extended the same courtesy. Now where to go? I have choices from India, Kenya, Bosnia, Thailand, England, Italy, Alaska- OK, it's the USA, but you have to skip over Canada to get there, so that counts.
I like to take layover trips on my way home and see the world. I feel that since I'm away for so long, I should see "the fam" when I can, so I do. This trip I wanted to get home immediately to see my new guy be born and I since he was due to enter the world, I couldn't get home fast enough. I didn't do the pre-trip research and my choices were sadly limited by the Olympics.
Speaking of...has this been the most amazing games! I can't believe how much of the Olympic coverage that I have sucked up. Now I love my country and I rout for them...think Women's Volleyball (Misty & Kerrie's 3 peat!), Ashton Eaton & Trey Hardee in the Decathlon, US Soccer, Michael Phelps, the Fab Five- oops, can't use that nickname anymore...shouldn't there be a limit on the number of years a team can use a nickname? News flash...nobody cares anymore who used it way back when. But, you gotta love Bolt and the sweep by Jamaica in the event! He's a character and a gentleman and I was thrilled when he won gold! And to Bolt.. Thank you goes right back to you for running such a great race. Also, it was very considerate of you to pause in your interview for our National Anthem- Thank you. So exciting...
Passion, perseverance, faith, adventure, love, friends, family...all the things that make live exciting and worth living. I am so blessed to have it all over the world. Thank you God!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Baby time for Grandma
This R&R has been the best! First because of the new baby that my daughter finally released from her belly. 'Course she now has him to her boob most of the time. I mean really, how much do babies eat? I have to pry him away for some grandma time...I've had powder milk for a while, so I can't help her out there. They say he cluster eats, (which means he eats every hour or 2...then stays up there filling up for a good half hour- jeez, it makes my boobs hurt thinking of all the suckling going on). This is the reason he sleeps through the night. In the good old days we propped a bottle for that, but human milk is better for a human baby than animal milk. As cheap as I am I tend to think of all the buck-a-roofs she's saving...formula is so expensive! I saw on Amazon or EBay that some sell the stuff. They pump and freeze it and I guess, next day air it! Unbelievable! What will these kids think of next.
So I'm officially an old fart. So many new things for babies... wrappy things to make them feel cuddled always, car seats- no more tossing baby in the backseat in a carrier, and I'm told that baby does not need water for 6 months- huh? (possibly the endless time at the tit). No pacifier and I can't even get into the circumcision...good grief! Ouch! How on earth did our kids survive?
It's been too much fun. I'll never get enough time with the family before I have to leave again, so I have a happy thought that at least the little guy will be big enough to play with when I see him next. It's going to be a rough good-bye back to the sandbox!
So I'm officially an old fart. So many new things for babies... wrappy things to make them feel cuddled always, car seats- no more tossing baby in the backseat in a carrier, and I'm told that baby does not need water for 6 months- huh? (possibly the endless time at the tit). No pacifier and I can't even get into the circumcision...good grief! Ouch! How on earth did our kids survive?
It's been too much fun. I'll never get enough time with the family before I have to leave again, so I have a happy thought that at least the little guy will be big enough to play with when I see him next. It's going to be a rough good-bye back to the sandbox!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Nutty reflections
I've been home for over a week and it's great! My reason for coming home, my new grandson made his grand entrance on August 6, 2012 weighing 8lbs. 6oz. (What a coincidence!) He is remarkable and already has a personality..he enjoys being up on my shoulder to check everything out and is so quiet, but sometimes it looks like he wants to talk- yep, he takes after me, so cute!
The first week at home, I stumbled around a bit. It was a culture shock. I flew on a plane (not American) during Ramadan and half the plane had children. My first thought was to run screaming in horror, then I thought how could I get a refund and just skip R&R. It was a 14 hour flight, good grief! So I did the next best thing and popped a couple of sleeping pills. My fears were unfounded. Those children were some of the best behaved kids that I've ever seen. In fact, I didn't hear them until breakfast time and then it was really only the babies.
The culture shock came at Dearborn's Homecoming. Some of the kids were rude, arrogant, loud and...what makes them think they can come to this country and carry on like that?WTH...parents standing by with their monsters out of control. I think maybe it's the rules of the country. They are so well behaved there. Bad children must be a capital offense.
My recent experience in Afghanistan has had the most amazing effect on my life. For example, the nut next door- or rather her nut tree droppings on my driveway doesn't faze me. They're just nuts after all. And even while she sweeps them on my yard everyday which use to drive me crazy...now I feel, who cares..they're just nuts and I clean them up. I'm fortunate to have a good healthy back and God on my side.
My good buddy that I encouraged to come to Afghanistan with me said it best, "I'd rather be poor at home than working in Afghanistan." Although I've loved my time there and I love the people and I love my job...minus all of the paperwork, I also love my family, especially the new little guy. I think he may be onto something...stay tuned.
The first week at home, I stumbled around a bit. It was a culture shock. I flew on a plane (not American) during Ramadan and half the plane had children. My first thought was to run screaming in horror, then I thought how could I get a refund and just skip R&R. It was a 14 hour flight, good grief! So I did the next best thing and popped a couple of sleeping pills. My fears were unfounded. Those children were some of the best behaved kids that I've ever seen. In fact, I didn't hear them until breakfast time and then it was really only the babies.
The culture shock came at Dearborn's Homecoming. Some of the kids were rude, arrogant, loud and...what makes them think they can come to this country and carry on like that?WTH...parents standing by with their monsters out of control. I think maybe it's the rules of the country. They are so well behaved there. Bad children must be a capital offense.
My recent experience in Afghanistan has had the most amazing effect on my life. For example, the nut next door- or rather her nut tree droppings on my driveway doesn't faze me. They're just nuts after all. And even while she sweeps them on my yard everyday which use to drive me crazy...now I feel, who cares..they're just nuts and I clean them up. I'm fortunate to have a good healthy back and God on my side.
My good buddy that I encouraged to come to Afghanistan with me said it best, "I'd rather be poor at home than working in Afghanistan." Although I've loved my time there and I love the people and I love my job...minus all of the paperwork, I also love my family, especially the new little guy. I think he may be onto something...stay tuned.
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